Vol,. XVIII � BALBOA, CANAL ZONE, FEBRUARY 15, 1941 � No. 4 A HIGHER EXPERIENCE BY MRS. E. G. WHITE We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that harmonizes with His teachings. High and ly attainments are within our reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us. His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, "Come up higher. Be holy, holier still." Every day we may advance in perfection of Christian character. Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God's great family know little of what it means to behold His glory, and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour's love. Let these cherish every desire of the soul after God. The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, molds those who will be molded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiri- tual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you fol- low on to know the Lord, you will know that the "path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and tiore unto the perfect day." "These things have I spoken unto you," said Christ, "that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." Ever before Him, Christ saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not have all this travail for naught. By giving His life for the life of men, He would restore in humanity the image of God. He would lift us up from the dust, reshape the character after the pattern of His own character, and make it beautiful with His own glory. Christ saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He viewed the expanse of eternity, and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgres- sions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. He heard the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ran- somed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Al- though the baptism of blood must first be received, although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul, although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame. This joy all His followers are to share. However great and glorious hereafter, our reward is not all to be reserved for the time of final deliverance. Even here we are by faith to enter into the Saviour's joy. Like Moses, we are to en- dure as seeing the Invisible. Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in darkness, almost wholly given over to idola- try. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving,—the robe of Christ's righteous- ness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. The years will move on in gladness. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, "There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death." "These visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be dear to His children. "Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gra-, cious welcome given to those who in this life co-operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suf- fer for His sake. With the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. . . . Honor, and glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.' "There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven, as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, 'Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain,' and bath redeemed us to God."—"Ministry of Heal- ing," pages 503-507. 2 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER I 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111Pill I CARIBBEAN UNION I 11111111111111111111IIIII11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 I NEARING THE HARBOR—LANDING AT LAST On a recent voyage over a rough sea in the West Indies, and having been tossed to and fro through the very dark night, it seemed to me that the end of the journey would never come. All through the long night it seemed that every plunge of our little motor boat through the heavy waves might be the last and that she would take her final plunge into the deep sea. We were all anxious for the end of the trip. Every- body was weary of the continuous toss- ing and buffeting about and all were more than ordinarily anxious for a harbor of rest and the transfer from ship to land. After nearly twenty-four hours on the restless sea, the little is- land, our destination, was sighted. Land! Land never before looked so good. The mere sight of it evidenced our drawing near the rough journey's end. After a little time, our boat en- tered the quiet harbor. What a relief to all the passengers aboard to be really gliding over the placid waters, right up to the dock where in a few moments we were to set foot on land and be happily greeted by friends awaiting our arrival! And thus I thought what should be the joy and happiness to the church and people of God who, while traveling over life's tempestuous seas with all the buf- fetings of the enemy, when they shall set foot in the kingdom of God where Jesus and all the holy angels are anx- iously awaiting the arrival of the re- deemed of the Lord. What a glad day of glory and rejoic- ing it will be when all of the trials, the sorrows, the sin, and the disappoint- ments of life, shall end and we shall enter the harbor and set foot within the celestial home! No sin, sorrow, suffer- ing, war, bloodshed, destruction—noth- ing to mar the eternal and everlasting peace and joy of the saved. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4. Are we, the passengers on life's sea, as anxious for our destination, because of the "sea sickness" of sin, as were the passengers on the little boat on the voyage described? Does not our world seem about to take her final plunge? But take courage, brethren, for we are nearing the harbor and land is in sight. Should not our daily prayer and desire be, "Come, Lord Jesus, come; and come quickly"? "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Rev. 22:20, 21. "My brother, my sister, I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Pre- pare for the Judgment, that when Christ shall come, to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet Him in peace. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory,—those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph will peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has con- quered."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 285. "There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the right- eous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. . . . "Pain can not exist in the atmosphere of heaven. In the home of the re- deemed, there will be no tears, no fune- ral trains, no badges of mourning. 'The inhabitants shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.' Isa. 33:24. One rich tide of happinness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on."—"Testi- monies," Vol. 9, 286. "We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us, bath builded for us a city. The New Jeru- salem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will ever- more be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wed- ding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 287. � A .R. OGDEN GIVING UP FOR CHRIST , She was blind, and had been so for fourteen years. Age and ill-health had tied her tongue. Benjamin Philip, lead- er of our growing church at Carenage, Trinidad, had stopped at her home many times to tell her of Jesus' love and of His plan to return for the faith- ful. A few Sabbaths ago when Brother Philip called at her home, he found her quite ill. He pointed out that God could restore her, and he asked if she would like him to pray. She was glad for him to do so. But he noticed. a ring on her finger. Taking the old wo- man's hand in his, he touched the ring and said, "God can bless you better without this adornment. He prefers the adornment of the heart." She yielded. Brother Philip removed the ring and placed it on the table. Then/ he prayed for her. Next day he called and found her much improved. Nearby was a broken, much-used clay pipe. "Have you been smoking this pipe?" he asked. She nodded in the affirmative, and then hung her head in shame. "God doesn't wish you to put that poisonous nicotine into your system," our brother said reprovingly, but kind- ly. "Let me take that pipe and throw it away for you." As he was talking, the old woman reached for the broken pipe, grasping it tightly in her hand. By way of en- couragement he tried taking it from her, but she clutched the blackened pipe all the harder. It was too much to ask. The vice had a hold on the blind onel and she couldn't give it up. On Thursday, Brother Philip called again to help the unfortunate woman. Imagine his disappointment when, in place of the old broken pipe, he saw that the blind woman had a new one which she had been smoking. "So you've bought a new pipe!" he said. She hung her head in contrition, and placing her hand protectively over the vile pipe was her only answer. She knew she should give it up for Christ, but it was hard to yield on this point. The church leader scarcely knew what he should say or do. Presently, as he was thinking about the habit coming be- tween this child of God and her Maker, he found himself saying: "Whenever you use that poisonous tobacco, you are keeping Jesus out of your life. When (Continued on page 5) INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 3 ▪ 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111!IIIIIIIIi1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MEXICAN UNION MISSION • NEWS FROM TEHUANTEPEC MISSION From a letter received from Elder Max Fuss, superintendent of the Te- huantepec Mission, Mexico, we quote the following: "In a little town in the interior of Chiapas, we now have a fine Sabbath school which has been organized by the work of the lay members. Brother Adelaido Sulvaran, one of our colpor- teurs, sold a book there about three years ago. The man who bought it learned how to give treatments to the sick, and in this way brought more souls to the Lord. This Sabbath school was itganized with about 30 members, and has been growing constantly. It now has a membership of 114. During the time we were holding our convention there, 23 souls were baptized; a few weeks before, six others had given their hearts to the Lord. These 29 souls are the first fruits of this place, and they all are very faithful. I have the hopes that a church will be organized on the next visit of the pastor, and that many lay members will go out visiting other places to win more souls for the Lord. "In the eight different places we held special meetings, with an attend- ance of 100 to 350 souls. These new interested people pleaded for the help of a Bible worker to give them Bible tudies so that they too could soon be Veady for baptism. In one place, where we have one of the largest churches, the brethren told me, 'We have about six places around the outskirts that need the help of a worker. There is much interest, but we cannot attend to it ourselves.' To really understand the situation, we must remember that in these far off places in the mountains there are no means of communication. One can travel only through dangerous, narrow roads, either on horseback or afoot." "In another town where we held spe- cial meetings, some men came from a distance of 64 kilometers, some had rid- den on horseback and some had walked. They said that they had already built a church, and wished to know what else they ought to do that a worker might visit them and organize their small group into a regular Sabbath school. Besides, they told us that in the small places around their town, there is great interest and great hopes of organizing more Sabbath schools." "In the mountains of the State of Chiapas, we have two good, faithful Sab- bath schools with more than 100 mem- bers each, where they speak the Zoke dialect. In just a few years, the work has gone ahead rapidly. From these two Sabbath schools, 32 souls have been bap- tized and nearly 100 are getting ready for the next visit of the pastor. Then a church will be organized in each place. If we could have only a worker who speaks this language, to develop the great interest in this place!" "I beg of you to help us with your prayers that the Lord may give us wis- dom to go ahead with this work so that not one soul will be lost." FAITHFULNESS IN MEXICO "Do you see that old brother over there in the corner, who appears to be poor?" asked our worker, Brother Moc- tezuma, just before starting one of the meetings in the little convention held in Tapachula recently. "He had a very wonderful experience a little while ago, and you ought to hear him tell about it." And so we heard the story from this brother. He used to be a mule-driver, using his 16 animals to take freight back and forth from the station to the small interior mountain villages. He says that at the time of the first rev- olution, 30 years ago, he lost all of his animals, as well as more than 1,000 pe- sos which he had saved up in the paper money of the national banks. He began all over again and managed to save up enough to buy a little home with a plot of ground, and to have about 800 pesos in cash, which he kept, with the documents of his holdings, in a small, wooden box. He entrusted this box to a friend for safe keeping in his home. But thieves entered and stole it, the box and all its contents. And so again he had to start anew. That was a few years ago. When the mes- sage found him, he accepted it and has been trying to be faithful ever since. A short time ago he had a dream of the country round about being on fire. Then he thought the city of Tapachula, where he lives, must also be in a blaze. Looking that way, he saw it burning, and the fire was coming towards him. So he decided to flee immediately. He was so terribly impressed when he awoke from his sleep, that he went out to see if there really was a fire, but he found the place as it was before. Neverthe- less, very early in the morning he went to Brother Moctezuma's home to tell him about it, and urged him to leave the city quickly. He was told that per- haps the dream was given to impress him to get ready for the fires of the last day and for the coming of the Lord. He was counselled to be faithful in everything that he knew to be right, including the paying of his tithes and offerings. He said he had been paying his tithe, but perhaps not all. The man being so simply dressed, our worker thought he did not earn very much, for he had before extended him receipts for 20, 40, and 50 centavos of tithe. But this man explained that this amount rep- resented the tithe on what he used as expense for eating and living, but was not the tithe of his earnings. It was ex- plained to him what a mistake that was, and he readily accepted the suggestion that perhaps he was owing much back tithes. When the man presented as best he could an account of his real earnings, and his present savings, Bro- ther Moctezuma calculated that he owed a large amount of back tithe. This was handed over, and put in the Lord's treasury and a receipt from the church was duly extended for it. This has brought tranquility and peace of soul to Brother RamOn, and now his face beams with satisfaction and hope in the Lord. Surely such faithfulness among these simple but earnest people will have its reward. May we who have had more advantages, be sure our accounts are right with the Lord, that there is nothing withheld that ought to be paid into His treasury now, before it is too late. Then shall our "peace be as a river, and our righteousness as the waves of the sea." H. A. B. ROBINSON "True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises."—"Early Writings," p. 72. "All who follow the Lamb in heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the shepherd."—"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 519. The group that was in attendance at the colporteur institute recently held in Guatemala City. 4 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER ELDER FRANKLIN'S VISIT TO INTER-AMERICA During the month of November and the first part of December, it was our privilege to have with us Elder E. E. Franklin, Associate Secretary of the General Conference Publishing Depart- ment. Elder Franklin comes to us in the interest of the publishing work. He attended several institutes for colper- teurs in the Central American Union, and at the present writing he has gone on to the Antillian Union. Having re- cently made an extended visit to the Far East, he brought some very inter- esting reports of the progress of the work in that part of the world field. His instruction and help given to our workers and members were very con- structive. Below is a summary of the visits made thus far, written by Brother Franklin while here in Balboa. While this was not prepared for publication in the MESSENGER, but rather as a report to our workers in the United States, yet it will be of interest to our readers. "Immediately following the Fall Council, I left New Orleans to go to Guatemala, where I joined the brethren in the Inter-American Division. I have just finished a series of institutes in the Central American Union, which were held in Guatemala, Salvador and Costa Rica. I am now at the division headquarters at Balboa for a few days, and I have had also the opportunity to meet the Pacific Press group at Cristo- bal, and to fill a number of church ap- pointments in the Panama Conference before leaving for institutes in Jamaica and Cuba. Our Work in Guatemala "Upon arriving in Guatemala City, I was met by Brother Orley Ford, the mission director, and taken to the church. I was surprised to meet a group of nearly 300 people, who list- ened with great interest to the story we told of literature work around the world. A fine class of men, many who have been in the colporteur work for years, was in attendance at the institute. These men are the real pioneers of the advent message. These brethren walk many miles, travel by mule far back into the interior, bringing the gospel to many. One colporteur raised up a company of twenty-five believers, which the mision director has not yet visited. Such tales of heroism and missionary exploits I have never heard before. These colporteurs have exposed them- selves to the wild beasts of the forest, malaria, and the fevers of the jungle, to carry the good news of salvation by way of the printed page to the peo- ple. "One of our colporteurs, Brother Al- cantara, traveled by muleback among the coffee plantations up near the Mexi- can frontier, in the Province of San Marcos. One morning at 4:00 o'clock he started for a town, hiring a boy to carry his luggage. In the jungle coun- try they became lost. While praying that day, three men appeared who said they were surprised to see a man in the mountains. They directed them to a home not far away, where they secured food and water, and then continued their journey. In the next town they met the mayor. On the Sabbath, the mayor wished the colporteur to accom- pany him in a visit to a new govern- ment project where over 300 men were employed. The colporteur thought, `This day is the Sabbath.' The mayor said: 'Wouldn't it be a good idea to give them the gospel?' So the colpor- teur talked to this group of native In- dians about the Beatitudes. The next day the colporteur met a military map4 who invited him to accompany him to the next town. He said to the colpor- teur: 'I'll review the troops while you canvass the town.' To his surprise, the troops were brought up to the plaza, they saluted the officer and the colpor- teur; and after the formal ceremony, he continued his work in the village with good success. In the next town, the mayor called all of the principal people of the town to his office, where the colporteur canvassed them, selling books and taking subscriptions from all of them. A miraculous story of deliverance from robbers was told by Brother Felix Barrientos. Upon arriving in a certain town in the Province of Jutiapa, he found a room. The lady of the housgli told him that he was in danger of be- ing robbed as he traveled through the country. She enquired about what time the next morning he would leave. He said he would leave at 4:00 A. M. Be- ing in the plot herself, she told him he would be robbed, but not to tell anyone. He left at 8:00 A. M., had been on the way an hour and a half, When on the roadside five men appeared with machetes. He said: 'Hello.' The men responded by saying, 'Adios, Se- fiores' (Good-bye, sirs). They said: `We hope all goes well with you.' After six days the colporteur came back to the same town and the same lodging place. The lady said: 'How has it gone with you, and who was it that accom- panied you on the way?' No one,' he said. 'Why, yes,' she said, 'there were two men armed with pistols with INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 5 you.' No,' he said, 'there was no one with me.' Then she called one of the men who was in the party, and he said: `Yes, he was accompanied by two men.' `No,' the colporteur replied, 'I was alone.' So he believed angels of the Lord were with him. On to El Salvador "It was a beautiful ride by bus across country from Guatemala to El Sal- vador. Salvador is not a big country, but there are over two million people crowded together within its borders. It is the most densely populated of any of the countries in the Western hemis- phere. About eighteen colporteurs met for the institute. Several years ago there were no colporteurs in the field, but now an aggressive work is being carried forward. "Our field secretary in Salvador, kBrother Hernandez, decided to canvass Rile leading public officials of the coun- try. He met the Secretary of State, and secured an appointment to meet the President. Finally a telegram came telling him when he should call. He received an audience with the President, explained our work, talked about pre- sent day conditions, and sold him a copy of 'Great Controversy.' He called on many other leading officials, includ- ing the Minister of Agriculture, the Justice of Supreme Court, the President of the National Assembly, the rector of the university, the mayor of San Salva- dor, and many other prominent officials and business men, receiving their signa- tures for 'Great Controversy.' The brethren feel that these books in the hands of these officials will some day :bear fruit. Who knows but what some day these public men may declare the truth? From Salvador to Costa Rica "We did not lose much time between institutes in Salvador and Costa Rica. In less than four hours by plane, we found ourselves in San Jose, the capi- tal city of Costa Rica. At the school we found an enthusiastic group of stu- dents. Colportage is about the only industry of this school, so for a week we were given the 'right of way.' The faculty gave us every opportunity to train the students, and never have I seen a more appreciative group. About twenty-five of those students will soon be in the field in their 'summer vaca- tion work'—earning scholarships. Two of our girls in Costa Rica sold 160 cop- (Continued on page 7) E 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111113111111111111111111111111111111IIIIIIIIIIM11111111111 I CENTRAL AMERICAN UNION MISSION I 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111!1111111111111111111111l111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 IR" NICARAGUA MISSION Although this little mission has been without a local superintendent for near- ly three years, God has been blessing the work. Lights are beginning to spring up in various parts of the interior. For many years the work has gone very slowly in the Spanish sections of the field and we have had but one Spanish church in the Republic, the church in Managua. It has been small and grown very slowly. We are happy today that we have a second Spanish church, the one in Jinotepe, which was organized after an effort held by Pastor Librado Concepcion. In this place we have just completed a neat little church building. We are glad, also, that in several other places Sabbath schools are now being conducted among Spanish believers. Brother Eduardo Revelo is caring for these while at the same time looking after the work in Managua. During the past vacation period Brother Braulio Perez, assisted by a new recruit, Brother Donald Thomann, from Argentine, held a strong effort in Managua where it has been so hard to get results. He had a good attendance all through the effort and God blessed the preaching of His word. As a re- sult 34 souls were added to the church, thus more than doubling the member- ship. Before taking up his work in the Pa- nama Conference, Brother Perez held a short effort for the Spanish people in Bluefields on the coast. This work was followed up by Brother Thomann and a small group has been baptized re- cently. Among our English believers the work has been going steadily forward. Pastor Andrean has been giving the year 1940 to the work in Bluefields and reports 23 baptized. We believe that there are brighter days ahead for Nicaragua, and that the times in which we are living are awak- ening an interest in the message there as in other places. � C. P. CRAGER Giving up for Christ (Continued from page 3) you smoke this pipe, you are crowding your Saviour out of your heart." This was all he said about it. Before leaving, he taught her the words of a. song: "I must have the Saviour with me, For I dare not walk alone; I must feel His presence near me, And His arm around me thrown." Just yesterday morning, while on his way to Sabbath school, Brother Philip and one of the older members stopped to see the blind woman, on whom the Spirit of God had been working. The pipe lay on the lower shelf of a small stand. The old woman, who could neither see nor talk, took the hand of Brother Philip and put it on the pipe. He picked it up, and she made a sign for him to take it away. He wished to be certain that he had not misunder- stood. "Do you wish me to take it away?" he queried. Lifting both her hands and flinging them, she made it clear that she de- sired to be rid of the evil; that she had given up this cherished habit. At the close of the service yesterday, the church leader was telling us of this sister's victory. He reached into his coat pocked and pulled out a white clay pipe. The bowl was blackened and the stem was stained. All eyes were on him as he concluded, "Here is the pipe. Let us pray that God will strengthen her resolve." �H. E. BEDDOE. 11. THE SIGNS AND EL CENTINELA AT WORK The following experiences taken from a letter recently received from Elder L. Astleford, superintendent of the Brit- ish Honduras Mission, help us to see the value of using our truth-filled mag- azines in mission fields. "One sister has been trying to handle a club of five copies of the Signs since we came to the field, and the result is that the manager of one of the best shops in town gives me a $10.00 note in Harvest Ingathering every year and is very friendly with us. So if nothing more, it has broken down prejudice and made friends for us. "An Indian brother in the northern part of the field is using twenty-five copies of El Centinela and twenty-five of the Watchman. per month to good advantage. Then I have tried to care for a few subscriptions myself in recent years. Here is one experience which has greatly encouraged me in the use of the Signs. In January, I sent in a subscription to the Signs for a year for an American man and his wife. The 6 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER wife is a Roman Catholic and received her education in a convent, and the old- est son spent two and a half years in a Roman Catholic secondary school. Soon the family became very much in- terested in the truths presented in the Signs, and the wife ordered a nice Bi- ble, a copy of "Christ in Song," and a copy of "Great Controversy." A month ago I was down to visit the village where they live, and while there had the happy privilege of baptizing the wife and the two oldest sons. The wife is a faithful Sabbath-keeper and a good "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their syna- gogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." Matt. 9:35. "His [Christ's] religion led to the doing of genuine medical missionary work. . � . God wants His medical missionaries to act with the tenderness and compassion that Christ would show were He in our world."—"Medical Min- istry," p. 251. "How slow men are to understand God's preparation for the day of His power! God works today to reach hearts in the same way that He worked when Christ was upon the earth. In reading the word of God, we see that Christ brought medical missionary work into His ministry. Cannot our eyes be opened to discern Christ's method? Can- not we understand the commission He gave to His disciples and to us?"— Idem, p. 246. "Could I arouse our people to Chris- tian efforts, could I lead them to en- gage in medical missionary work with holy zeal and divine perseverance, not in a few places, but in every place, put- ting forth personal effort for those out of the fold, how grateful I should be! This is true missionary work."—Idem, p. 256. "Why has it not been understood from the word of God that the work being done in medical missionary lines is a fulfilment of Scripture? . . . This is the work that the churches in every locality, north and south, east and west, should do. The churches have been given the opportunity of answering this work. Why have they not done it? tithe-payer, and the oldest son, now fifteen years of age, is contemplating going to one of our secondary schools to continue his education. We are proud, indeed, of this family, and hope we may be able to win the husband also." We trust that during the campaign which is before us, all will do what they can to take subscriptions for these magazines from others. The truth must go forth as a blazing light in these last days. You are needed to help make it go. �WESLEY AMUNDSEN Someone must fulfil the commission." —"Review and Herald," May 25, 1897. "In every city where we have a church, there is need of a place where treatment can be given. . . . A place should be provided where treatment may be given for common ailments. The building might be inelegant and even rude, but it should be furnished with facilities for giving simple treat- ments."—"Testimonies," Vol. 6, p. 113. "All who believe the truth for these last days, have something to do in this matter. It concerns them, and God requires them to arouse and interest themselves in this reform. He will not be pleased with their course if they re- gard this question with indifference." —Idem, Vol. 1, p. 618. "We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of the medical missionary work. . . The members of the church are in need of an awakening, that they may realize their responsibility to impart these truths."—Idem, Vol. 7, p. 62. "Medical missionary work is yet in its infancy. The meaning of genuine medical missionary work is known by but few. Why? Because the Saviour's plan of work has not been followed. God's money has been misapplied. In many places practical evangelistic med- ical missionary work is being done, but many of the workers who should go forth as did the disciples are being col- lected together and held in a few places, as they have been in the past, notwith- standing the Lord's warning that this should not be."—"Special Testimonies," Series B, No. 8, p. 28. "We are to make the foundation of every building thorough and solid as for eternity. Nothing must be done carelessly or shabbily. Do not put two timbers where there ought to be three." —MS-63-99. The three timbers: teaching, preach- ing, healing. Do you have only one or two or do you have all three of these timbers in your work? "We shall see the medical missionary work broadening and deepening at every point of its progress because of the in- flowing of hundreds and thousands of streams, until the whole earth is cov- ered as the waters cover the sea."— MS-32-1901. "Henceforth medical missionary work is to be carried forward with an earnest- ness with which it has never yet been carried. This work is the door through which the truth is to find entrance to the large cities."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 167. These messages from our great PhyA sician should stir and move every faith- ful child of God to put forth every pos- sible effort to see that medical mission- ary work is established quickly in every place where we have believers. "Soon there will be no work done in minis- terial lines but medical missionary work."—"Counsels on Health," p. 533. Medical missionary work will give us favor with governments when the laws of the land would otherwise prohibit our work. Let every church start this work now while there may yet be time. Young men who know something about caring for the sick and wounded, may be favored in time of war with service along that line. � G. A. ROBERTS We come nearest to the great when we are groat in humility.—Tagore. DIVISION DIRECTORY G. A. ROBERTS �- � - � President and Ministerial Assn. Sec'y, W. C. RALEY - � - � - Secretary-Treasurer E. R. SANDERS �Assistant Sec'y-Treasurer ff. L. N IELSEN � - � - � Assistant Auditor W. A. BERGHERM � - � - Field Miss. Sec'y W. L. ADAMS - � - Educational, Missionary Volunteer, and Home Commission Secretary W. AMUNDSEN - Home Missionary and Sab- bath School Secretary INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER W. C. Raley, Editor G. A. Roberts, Assistant Editor Published semi-monthly as the Official Organ of the Inter-American Division Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Box. 2006, Balboa, C. Z, Price 50 cents a year. Entered at Cristobal, Canal Zone, as second-class matter under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Printed at Cristobal, C. Z., Isthmus of Panama, VOL. XVIII FEBRUARY 15, 1941 No. 4 MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK BY G. A. ROBERTS NATIONS CRUMBLING IN THE BATTLE OF THE AGES! THINKING men and women in America are asking what it all means. Is the world headed for chaos? Are the Dark Ages returning? How long will this tyranny continue in Europe? Will it spread to the New World? olls°11r.01,5 '11. answers these and other vi- tally important questions. A glance at the chapter headings will convince you that here is the book for this hour. Here is just the infor- mation you have wanted to place in the hands of neighbors, friends, and relatives. Don't delay. Order a quantity to sell, lend, or give to your friends. Place all orders with your nearest BO OK AND BIBLE HOUSE POWER and PROPHECY by Elder Arthur S. MAXWELL WILL ONE CEIURCR DOMINATE THE WORLD ? WILL AMERICA SEIZE THE SCEPTER? THE CODEINE WORLD EULER THE HEW WORLD ORDER BILL c'E INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 7 ASSETS OR LIABILITIES Every person joining the church be- comes at once an asset or a liability. If every member could be taught on be- ing brought into the church that he is to be an asset, the situation would be vastly different from our present one. We need men's money, but we need their personal service for lost humanity much more. We need a more heroic type of members, a more militant type, a type that puts on the armor to fight, . . a courage that will not tremble in the face of any foe, a bravery that will "fight till the last armed foe ex- pires." It is a pity we have taken into the church so much of the weak, namby- pamby element which came into the church to be served and who must be fed on soothing syrup and nursed into the kingdom. Men who join the church get a free pass into the Jerusalem will always be a liability. Those who enlist as soldiers to fight for righteous- ness and truth on earth can be counted on in the stress and strain of life.-- 0. E. Goodard, in "Methodist Evangel." CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PRINCIPLES The Foundation In order that the entire structure may stand firm, the foundation of a build- ing must be laid solidly. One of the parables of the Saviour illustrates this, when it is said that the house "was founded on a rock" and stood the test of the storm. The need for this type of foundation in education is emphasized over and over. If you read "Counsels kp Teachers," pages 165 to 177, you will get a good portion of this informa- tion. In the "Testimonies," Vol. 6, page 108, we have the statement that the church school is needed just as much as is the church building itself, and that the minister should not think of his work for the new company as being completed until he has a perma- nent church school in operation. W. L. ADAMS Elder Franklin's visit . . . (Continued from page 5) ies of 'Great Controversy' during their vacation last year. A priest, writing in a Catholic paper called the Eco Cato- lico, had this to say about the book: " 'There is being circulated in Costa Rica a book luxuriously printed on mag- nificent, satin-finished paper. . . . The author, a "Misses" White, has published this book in a Protestant publishing house in California, and offers it to Cas- tilian readers, translated into the Spanish in a style that, if not as pure and cor- rect as is to be found in the writings Santa Teresa de Jesus, and those of Cervantes, it is not to be altogether un- appreciated. Certainly it is capable of deceiving readers who are not instruct- ed in universal history, placing them in danger of drinking from a cup of fine porcelain, a poison dyed in a color agreeable to the eye and mixed with honey sweet and soft to the taste.' On the Canal Zone "Yesterday (December 4) it was my privilege to meet with the Pacific Press group in their commodious building in Cristobal. Last year this publishing house, supplying the literature for this large English-Spanish division, sent out nearly one-fourth of a million dollars worth of literature. During the last five years this plant has more than tripled its sales. Surely this is a won- derful achievement, and yet there are millions still to be reached. Our colpor- teurs, at work in these lands, are find- ing many who seem to be eager and anxious to find a better way, and many honest souls are rejoicing as they read and learn from the colporteur and his books and papers. W. A. BERGHER1VI SABBATH SCHOOL MORSELS "Written for the Common People" "Every child of God should be intel- ligent in the Scriptures, and able, by tracing the fulfillment of prophecy, to show our position in this world's his- tory. The Bible was written for the common people as well as for scholars, and is within the comprehension of all. The great truths which underlie man's duty to his fellow men and to his Mak- er are clearly revealed; and those who really want the truth need make no mistake. The way is not left in un- certainty, as though we were standing where four roads met, not knowing which one to take. The truth is our guide; it is to us like a pillar of cloud by day and a pilar of fire by night. "The many contradictory opinions in regard to what the Bible teaches do not arise from any obscurity in the book itself, but from blindness and pre- judice on the part of interpreters. Men ignore the plain statements of the Bi- ble to follow their own perverted rea- son. Priding themselves on their in- tellectual attainments, they overlook the simplicity of truth; they forsake the fountain of living waters to drink of the poisonous stream of error."—Mrs. E. G. White, in the "Review and Her- ald," Jan. 27, 1885. WESLEY AMUNDSEN 8 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER KEEPING PACE WITH THE MESSAGE That was a phrase often heard among the earlier believers—"keeping pace with the message." Then, I think, it was easier to see the progress. The work was small, and the advances here and there brought such joy and were so easily recognized, that one after another the believers expressed their desire to "keep pace with the message." Now this work is spreading so rapid- ly, and has extended so far beyond our knowledge, that it is difficult for all of us to keep pace with it. The only thing to do is to watch the reports and try to understand what they mean in the whole plan of a finished work. The happy thing is that by His Spirit the Lord can keep us all moving to- gether in experience and faith. We can see, as we meet the believers in many places, that God is moving the ranks forward, helping the faithful soldiers of the message to keep step with one an- other even though they are separated by oceans and continents. "Though sundered far, by faith they meet Around one common mercy seat." There is a common, progressive ex- perience in the message among the be- lievers on earth, which helps them to keep pace with the progress of Christ's closing work in the sanctuary above. It is instructive to see how the Lord has been giving the same experiences to many who have had no personal con- tact with one another. The Lord has ever worked in this manner. In the Reformation time, the reform spirit sprang up simultaneously in parts widely distant. In the rise of the advent awakening, before 1844, men of God in various lands were moved upon at the same time to study and to proclaim the truth of the second advent. So, also, we may add, when the Lord was earlier preparing the Moravians to enter upon their work of pioneering Protestant missions, "a revival breath from heaven passed simultaneously over towns wholly disconnected and remote from one another, in Moravia and Bo- hemia." We have been seeing surely the same experience in this time when the prom- ise is to be fulfilled: "Also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit." Joel 2:29. The ranks of the believers will be SPECIAL DATES March 1 "El Centinela" and "Signs" Day March 8-15 CAMPAIGN DATES March 1-15 "El Centinela" and "Signs" Campaign March 8-15 Young People's Reading Course and "Youth's Instructor" Campaign SPECIAL OFFERINGS March 8 For Foreign Missions March 29 For Elementary Schools T moved forward as one world-wide body in bearing the final witness. We shall keep steps with one another and so keep pace with the message. W. A. SPICER 1. � BRANCH SABBATH SCHOOLS Every possible soul-winning agency should be utilized to its fullest extent by us at this present time. There are lines of work that are highly specialized and can successfully be conducted by only those who are trained for that work. The medical and educational lines are such. There are other lines of work which may be successfully carried on by those who are untrained but who are willing to learn by experience and by reading and by observing what others have done. The branch Sabbath school work is one of these lines. The Sabbath school undoubtedly is the greatest single, living agency of direct soul-winning that God has ever given to this people: The branch Sab- bath school may well be termed the pioneering or direct evangelizing agency of our regular Sabbath school work. As the medical missionary work is the right arm of the message, with which we can best introduce our truth to the world, so the branch Sabbath school may be looked upon as the right or , evangelizing arm of our general Sab- bath school work with which we can best greet those who are to become full members of our great Sabbath school family of all kindreds and na- tions and tongues around the world. The branch Sabbath school work is so adaptable that anyone who loves this third angel's message can take hold of it and successfully establish a branch Sabbath school. The youth, the middle- aged, and the oldest of our people who are physically able, can do this work. There is no barrier of age or education, of place or climate, or of any other think except physical or spiritual in- ability that can prevent this work. Our Sabbath school organization reaches a- round the world. And wherever a Sab- bath school is in operation, it is giving to all who attend an example of juA how a Sabbath school can carry on in that particular place. All that is need- ed is to animate this organization with the evangelizing spirit and to duplicate for the people of the world about us through branch Sabbath schools the same service and blessings now enjoyed by ourselves in our own regular Sabbath schools. Let the full evangelistic spirit of our great Leader become universal in our Sabbath schools, and they will become centers of evangelizing influence from which many other Sabbath school cen- ters will arise, and we will see many many thqusands added to our Sabbath school family, and thousands added to the church. We urge every leader in our work tA take this matter upon his heart. WP urge every Sabbath school teacher to start a Sabbath afternoon branch Sab- bath school. We urge every member, old and young, to survey earnestly his possibilities and inquire of the Lord if He would be pleased to have him start this work in his home or in his neigh- borhood. �G. A. ROBERTS Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. A lighthouse beats no gong, it sounds no drum; and yet far over the waters its friendly spark is seen by the mariner, so let your actions shine out your religion. Let the main sermon of your life be illustrated by all your conduct.—Selected. Some friends are like shadows. They arc evidence only when the sun shines. A z•J- 44 �THE LITERATURE MINISTRY The Lord Calls For Many "The Lord calls for many more to engage in the canvassing work. . . . For Christ's sake, my brethren and sisters, make the most of the hours of the new year to place the precious light of present truths before the people. The Angel of the cove- nant is empowering His servants to carry the truth to all parts of the world. He has sent forth His angels with the message of mercy; but as if they did not speed on their way fast enough to satisfy His heart of yearning love, He lays on every member of His church the responsibility of proclaiming this message. 'Let him that heareth say, Come.' Every member of the church is to show his loyalty by inviting the thirsty to drink of the water of life. A chain of living witnesses is to carry the invitation to the world. Will you act your part in this great work?"—Id., pp. 41, 42. Willing to Do and Dare "Jesus is calling for many missionaries, for men and women who will consecrate themselves to God, willing to spend and be spent in His service. Oh, can we not remember that here is a world to labor for? Shall we not move forward step by step, letting God use us as His helping hand? Shall we not place ourselves on the altar of service? Then the love of Christ will touch and transform us, make us willing for His sake to do and dare."—Id., p. 42. The Lord's View of the Colporteur "The evangelist who engages in canvassing work is performing a service fully as important as that of preaching before a congre- gation. God looks upon the faithful, evangelistic canvassers with as much approval as He looks upon the faithful minister."—"Words of Encouragement to Workers in the Home Missionary Field," by Mrs. E. G. White. NOTICE Do not destroy or throw away these bulletins. When the twelve numbers have been issued you will have a very fine collection of choice statements from the pen of inspiration regarding the publishing work. We suggest that you save every number for when completed you may want to bind them into a little booklet. HIE ILITERATU MI II' N ST IRIY 1 Bulletin No. 11 Forward With Increasing Success "I have been instructed that the canvassing work is to be re- vived, and that it is to be carried forward with increasing success. It is the Lord's work, and a blessing will attend those who engage in it with earnestness and diligence."—"Colporteur Evangelist," p. 35. Much Good Accomplished "The Lord has sent His people much instruction, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Oh, how much good would be accom- plished if the books containing this light were read with a determi- nation to carry out the principles they contain! There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. And many more would now be rejoicing in the light of present truth."—Id., p. 37. Divine Suggestions For Success "My bretheren and sisters, work earnestly to circulate these books. Put your hearts into this work, and the blessing of God will be with you. Go forth in faith, as you go praying that God will prepare hearts to recieve the light. Be pleasant and courteous. Show (41) 42 � THE LITERATURE MINISTRY by a consistent course that you are true Christians. Walk and work in the light of heaven, and your path will be as the path of the just, shining more and more unto the perfect day."—Id., p. 37. Thousands Reached Most Simply "Take the books to business men, to teachers of the gospel, whose minds have not been called to the special truths for this time. The message is to be given "in the highways,"—to men who take an active part in the world's work, to the teachers and leaders of the people. Thousands can be reached in the most simple, humble way. The most intelectual, those who are looked upon as the world's most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worlding speaks of the things that interest him most deeply. Often the words well prepared and studied have but little influence. But the true, honest expression of a son or a daugh- ter of God, spoken in natural simplicity has power to open the door to the hearts that have long been closed against Christ and His love."—Id., pp. 37, 38. Are We Following Jesus' Example? "Let no one think that he is at liberty to fold his hands and do nothing. That any one can be saved in indolence and inactivity is an utter impossibility. Think of what Christ accomplished during His earthly ministry. How earnest, how untiring, were His efforts! He allowed nothing to turn Him aside from the work given Him. Are we following in His footsteps? He gave up all to carry out God's plan of mercy for the fallen race. In the fulfilment of the purpose of heaven, He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He had had no communion with sin, had known noth- ing of it; but He came to this world, and took upon His sinless soul the guilt of sinful man, that sinners might stand justified before God. He grappled with temptation, overcoming in our behalf. The Son of God, pure and unsullied, bore the penalty of transgression, and received the stroke of death that brought deliverance to the race."—Id., p. 38. BULLETIN No. 11 � 43 Christ Will Teach What to Say "Many are sad and discouraged, weak in faith and trust. Let them do something to help someone more needy than themselves, and they will grow strong in God's strength. Let them engage in the good work of selling our books. Thus they will help others, and the experience gained will give them the assurance that they are God's helping hand. As they plead with the Lord to help them, He will guide them to those who are seeking for the light. Christ will be close beside them, teaching them what to say and do. By com- forting others, they themselves will be comforted."—Id., p. 40. Angels Accompany and Prepare Way "I ask you, dear Christian workers, to do what you can to cir- culate the books that the Lord has said should be sown broadcast throughout the world. Do your best to place them in the homes of as many as possible. Think of how great a work can be done if a large number of believers will unite in an effort to place before the people, by the circulation of these books, the light that the Lord has said should be given them. Under divine guidance, go forward in the work, and look to the Lord for aid. The Holy Spirit will attend you. Angels of heaven will accompany you, preparing the way."—Id., p. 40. Entire Surrender to God "If you have neglected the sowing-time, if you have allowed God-given opportunities to pass unimproved, if you have given yourselves up to self-pleasing, will you not now repent, before it is forever too late, and strive to redeem the time? The obligation to use your talents in the Master's service rests heavily upon you. Come to the Lord, and make an entire surrender of all to Him. You cannot afford to lose one day. Take up your neglected work. Put away your querulous unbelief, your envy and evil-thinking, and go to work, in humble faith, and with earnest prayer to the Lord to pardon you for your years of unconsecration. Ask the Lord for help. If you seek Him earnestly, with the whole heart, you will find Him, and He will strengthen and bless you."—Id., pp. 40, 41.